How Long is Road R319?
Ireland, europe
N/A
N/A
extreme
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the R319 in Ireland, right off the coast. Seriously, this road is a total stunner, hugging the shoreline and giving you non-stop views as you wind your way towards the wild edge of the Atlantic. People say it's one of the best coastal drives *ever*.
This busy little regional road clocks in at about 25km, and honestly, you're practically breathing in the sea air the whole way. Think dramatic cliffs, crashing waves, and vistas that'll make your jaw drop.
Now, a heads up – it can get a little hectic with traffic, and the road narrows and twists as you go. Watch out for blind corners and the occasional wandering sheep! But trust me, it's all worth it when you reach the end, marked by a large car park at the island's western tip.
You'll start your adventure in Cahersiveen, a charming seaside village, and snake your way along to somewhere truly unforgettable. Get ready for a drive you won't soon forget!
Related Roads in europe
extremeWhat's at Alpe Galm?
🇨🇭 Switzerland
Okay, picture this: you're winding your way up, up, UP into the Swiss Alps in Valais, headed for Alpe Galm. This isn't just a drive; it's an adventure to 2,231 meters (7,319 ft)! At the top, you'll find a tiny village, complete with a quaint chapel built way back in 1681. Now, let's be real: getting there is a bit of a challenge. The road's mostly paved, but those last 1.5 kilometers are gravel, and the whole thing is NARROW and seriously steep – we're talking up to 14% gradients in spots! They say it's one of the toughest climbs in the Alps, but most cars can handle it in summer. Oh, and bonus points: you'll cruise through the highest roundabout in Central Europe! Starting in Guttet-Feschel, the climb stretches for 10.7 km (6.6 miles), with a whopping 1,001 meters of elevation gain. As you climb, you're surrounded by classic Swiss scenery: alpine meadows, charming villages, and jaw-dropping views of the valley and mountains as you near the top. Trust me; the views are worth the white-knuckle drive!
extremeWhat’s Vitim River Bridge?
🌍 Russia
Deep in the heart of Siberia, Russia, lies the insane Vitim River Bridge. Picture this: an old railway bridge stretching 570 meters (1870 feet) over the icy Vitim River. We're talking a super narrow six-foot-wide path – barely enough for one car – with zero railings. Yep, that's right, nothing to stop you from taking a plunge into the frigid waters 50 feet below. Locals call it Kuandinsky Bridge. It's part of the infamous BAM Road, one of the gnarliest off-road adventures on the planet. This relic was thrown together back in the 80s, intended for trains, which explains the whole "no safety features" vibe. The surface? Decaying wooden planks that turn into an ice rink for most of the year. Seriously, winter crossings are legendary! Word has it, no one's bothered to fix it in decades, so anyone brave (or crazy) enough to cross often ends up patching it themselves. It's the only way for the tiny village of Kuanda to connect with the outside world, though. If you're up for a challenge and craving a story to tell, the Vitim River Bridge awaits. Just don't forget to pack your nerves of steel and maybe a few extra planks!
easyHow to drive the scenic Hardangervidda National Tourist Route in eastern Norway?
🇳🇴 Norway
# Hardangervidda National Tourist Route Ready for one of Norway's most jaw-dropping drives? Road 7 (RV7) is a 67 km stretch that'll have you questioning why you ever drove anywhere else. Starting in Eidfjord down in Fjord Norway and ending in Haugastøl over in Eastern Norway, this fully paved route takes you straight through Hardangervidda National Park and across the biggest high mountain plateau in all of Northern Europe. The drive climbs to a respectable 1,250 meters above sea level, and here's the best part—it's open year-round. Thanks to the Hardanger Bridge, you won't need to worry about ferries either. Winter driving is definitely doable, though you'll want to pack winter tires and be prepared for occasional closures when the weather turns seriously gnarly. But honestly? Even winter here is spectacular. This is the kind of road that makes you understand why people fall in love with Norwegian landscapes. Buckle up and go experience it.
moderatePuerto de Contreras
🇪🇸 Spain
# Puerto de Contreras Head over to this mountain pass sitting pretty at 724m (2,375ft) on the border between the Valencian Community and Castile-La Mancha in Spain. It's basically the scenic shortcut connecting Villargordo del Cabriel and Minglanilla, right along the main Madrid-to-Valencia corridor. The road itself—officially called Cuestas de Contreras—is paved and totally drivable, though it's narrow and wonderfully quiet. You won't find much traffic up here, just stunning views and endless curves. Fair warning though: this isn't a leisurely cruise. The pass throws everything at you—relentless twists, steep climbs, and tight turns that'll keep even seasoned drivers on their toes. We're talking an average gradient of 4.71% with sections hitting 8%, spread across about 17 km of serious mountain road. The route's got serious history too. Back in 1853, Lucio del Valle carved out the original road, but by 1969 a modern highway bypassed it completely. These days, you get to experience that classic mountain-pass vibe—all those hairpin turns that make the old route so thrilling. While you're tackling the pass, check out the Contreras reservoir of the Cabriel river at the base, and you'll spot the skeletal remains of an old cement plant that adds an intriguing touch to the landscape. It's the kind of road that delivers both beauty and a real driving challenge.